Congressman Tom Emmer - Representing the 6th District of Minnesotahttps://emmer.house.gov/rss.xml
enMinnesota Congressional Delegation Urges Departments of Health and Human Services and Treasury to Grant Minnesota’s Reinsurance Waiver https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-congressional-delegation-urges-departments-health-and-human
<p align="center" class="wordsection1"><i><span>Based on preliminary rates, federal approval of Minnesota’s reinsurance program would help bring down premiums for several individual market health insurance plans in the state. Without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially.</span></i><span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="wordsection1"><i><span>In a letter, the federal lawmakers urge Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to complete their consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible</span></i><span></span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Rick Nolan, Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer, and Jason Lewis today urged the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to grant Minnesota’s reinsurance waiver. Based on preliminary rates, federal approval of Minnesota’s reinsurance program would help bring down premiums for several individual market health insurance plans in the state. Without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially. In a letter, the federal lawmakers urged HHS Secretary Tom Price and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to complete their consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible.</span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><b><span>“On July 31, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released two sets of proposed individual health insurance rates: one set that assumes federal approval of the Minnesota reinsurance program and one that does not. These proposed rates show that federal approval of Minnesota's waiver application would have a significant impact on cost. By contrast, without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially,” </span></b><span>the lawmakers wrote. <b>“This matter is urgent because the Minnesota Department of Commerce must imminently finalize approval of the individual market rates. Accordingly, on behalf of our constituents, we urge you to complete your consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible.” </b></span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>The <a href="/sites/emmer.house.gov/files/2017%2009%2014%20Section%201332%20MN%20Delegation%20Letter%20SIGNED.pdf">full text </a>of the lawmakers’ letter is below. </span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Secretary Price,</span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>We write to request that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant Minnesota's application for a Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver as soon as possible. </span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature voted to establish a state-based reinsurance program, the Minnesota Premium Security Program (MPSP). The Governor and both Democratic and Republican leaders strongly support this effort to address premium costs and access to affordable healthcare in our state. On July 31, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released two sets of proposed individual health insurance rates: one set that assumes federal approval of the Minnesota reinsurance program and one that does not. These proposed rates show that federal approval of Minnesota's waiver application would have a significant impact on cost. By contrast, without federal approval, rates for many individual market plans could increase substantially. </span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>This matter is urgent because the Minnesota Department of Commerce must imminently finalize approval of the individual market rates. Accordingly, on behalf of our constituents, we urge you to complete your consideration of Minnesota’s waiver application as soon as possible. </span></p>
<p class="wordsection1"><span>Sincerely,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="wordsection1"><span>###</span></p>Fri, 15 Sep 2017 12:04:00 -0400182https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-congressional-delegation-urges-departments-health-and-humanEmmer, Castor &amp; LaHood Lead Bipartisan Push to Reform U.S. Policy Toward Cuba https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-castor-lahood-lead-bipartisan-push-reform-us-policy-toward-cuba
<p><em>(Courtesy of The Ripon Society)</em></p>
<p>WASHINGTON, DC – With U.S. policy toward Cuba in a state of flux, The Ripon Society held a breakfast discussion yesterday morning with three Members of Congress who are working to end the Cold War-era embargo that has defined U.S.-Cuban relations for over 65 years and put in place a new set of economic policies that would bring certainty to the law and benefit both the people of Cuba and the United States.<br /><br />
The Members participating in the discussion included U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer (R/MN-6), Kathy Castor (D/FL-14), and Darin LaHood (R/IL-18). The three belong to the Cuba Working Group, a bipartisan caucus in the House that was established to promote increased trade, travel and investment in Cuba, while promoting human rights in that country and improving the security posture of the United States. Emmer helped found the group in December of 2015, and opened his remarks by discussing why someone from his state is interested in this issue.<br /><br />
“One of the first business groups to visit Cuba in the late ‘70s when President Carter was boosting up the travel restrictions happened to be a group from Minnesota,” he explained. “We are home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, and we have agriculture and manufacturing as the two primary drivers of our state's private economy. Minnesota is all about trade, and we also have a population that is all about trying to help other people. So when [restoring relations with] Cuba was a possibility, you not only had folks going down to Cuba from Minnesota for commerce possibilities, but also to try to help.”<br /><br />
Emmer was elected to the U.S. House in 2014 after serving six years in the Minnesota House. A member of the Financial Services Committee, he is the co-sponsor of <a href="/media-center/press-releases/emmer-castor-introduce-legislation-lift-cuba-embargo">legislation</a> that would lift the Cuba embargo and allow for businesses in the private sector to trade freely with Cuba, while prohibiting taxpayer funds to be used on promotion or development of this new market.<br /><br />
“I came to Congress a couple years back with more of a Cold Warrior mentality,” he added, further expanding on his views. “I took a trip in June of 2015 to the island, and it completely changed my view of the people. They want a relationship with the United States of America. So I now talk about how important it is from an economic standpoint -- the opportunity to travel, the opportunity for the hospitality industry, for our agriculture industry, for manufacturers. You can go down the list. But for me, the real issue is not repeating history.”<br /><br />
“This is more about our national security than anything else. We have an island that is 90 miles off of our Florida cost. It is in our backyard. It is a key to our relationships in the entire Western Hemisphere at this point in time. And we have people in our government today who still want to continue a policy that has frankly been an abject failure. Why? Well, because I guess they think doing the same thing over and over again and not getting a different result is not the definition of insanity … We put an embargo in to undermine the Castro regime, and in effect it has done just the opposite. It has empowered the Castro regime at the expense of the Cuban people --- the very people we are trying to help. And so we're going to keep doing this over and over? It makes no sense.”<br /><br />
As for the promotion of human rights, Emmer said that is a goal that can best be achieved with more U.S. engagement and a greater American presence on the ground.<br /><br />
“They made more advances in terms of human rights when Barack Obama took his delegation down to Cuba almost two years ago than had been made in years,” he stated. “You cannot change the human rights abuses if you are not on the island and if you are not present in creating some accountability and transparency. At the end of the day, this is what you have to look at. If we continue down the road we're pursuing, you actually risk having someone else move into Cuba -- someone who does not have the United States’ best interest in mind. Is it going to be China? Is it going to be Russia? Could it be the Iranians? Someone will fill that void if we are not there.”<br /><br />
Castor agreed.<br /><br />
“Think about how long this Cold War policy has been in place,” the Democratic lawmaker stated. “Over 50 years -- the embargo and a bar on the ability of Americas to travel freely. Americans can travel anywhere in the world. Up until recently, you could go to North Korea. You can go to Iran and you can go to Syria. What is it about this policy that says Americans don't have the fundamental right to travel that they enjoy everywhere else in the world? That's wrong. The embargo's wrong, and it's outdated. It has outlived its usefulness and it is causing a lot of damage.”<br /><br />
Castor was elected to the House just over a decade ago after serving four years as a County Commissioner in her Florida District. A member of the steering committee of the Cuba Working Group and cosponsor of the legislation to lift the embargo, she said her interest in the issue was sparked in part by working with local families with relatives back in Cuba who came to her for help in dealing with the outdated – and often unjust -- law.<br /><br />
“The number one constituent matter in my office in Tampa was just trying to work through the bureaucratic red tape to try to get families to travel an hour away to see each other,” she recounted. “Whether it was the grandkids to see their dying grandmother for the last time, or I even had a case with a family with a brother who had cancer and the bone marrow match was his sister in Cuba. Just think about the agony they were going through, and then subjecting them to that kind of bureaucratic red tape and having to fight with the State Department and others just to try to get them on that hour-long flight. It was very eye-opening to me. That's what helped me take on this issue, because I think that if we are going to improve human rights on the island of Cuba and improve business opportunities here in America and in Cuba, we've got to go full bore on the policy of engagement and turn the page on these Cold-War policies of the past.<br /><br />
“We fought a war with Vietnam, reconciled, and now Vietnam – in their economic output and in our relationships -- is much healthier. Yet Cuba, 90 miles off the coast of the United States, remains stuck. I often think that it's the governments that get in the way -- the U.S. government and the government of Cuba. I think the Obama policy was right to empower everyday Cubans. In the times that I've traveled earlier in my Congressional tenure and years later, I've seen a dramatic change in the ability of cuentapropistas -- small business owners -- to build businesses, employ folks, and give them a new lease on life. <br /><br />
“The wages there are very low except in the sectors where the Cuban government has allowed openings. Whether it's in restaurants or in the Airbnb space or some technology, these folks are creative and dynamic and they need support. By closing down the ability of Americans to travel or putting pressure on their families not to send remittances or blocking the ability of American businesses to partner with them, it is simply counterproductive in this day and age.”<br /><br />
LaHood was elected to the House in 2015 after serving four years in the Illinois State Senate. A member of the Joint Economic Committee and Committees on Science and Natural Resources, he said his interest in reforming U.S. policy toward Cuba is, like Emmer and Castor, also driven by the needs and interests in the people he represents back home.<br /><br />
“For me, it's about jobs and economic opportunities,” the Illinois Republican declared. “Of the 435 congressional districts, ours is the 9th largest in terms of corn and soybean production. Caterpillar is headquartered in our district, as is John Deere and ADM. I look at the economic opportunities, and what trade has done for a district like mine. Cuba is a very small market, but to be able to load up grain on the Mississippi River and the Illinois River and go down through the Gulf and go to Cuba from there -- it's an opportunity for us. My conservative farmers and the folks who live in my district, they understand it. They get it. They ask, ‘Why can't we do this? Why don't we have a market? Why don't you open this up?' You try to explain to them the reason for that, and it's difficult to do.<br /><br />
"Listen, we all believe in human rights. We believe in democracy. We don't like dictators. We don't like what Castro and his regime have engaged in. But trade helps all boats rise. We've seen that around the world. Engagement, economic opportunities, and economic freedom – they all help countries get out of that socialist mentality.”<br /><br />
Following their remarks, the three members were asked a number of questions, including one about the prospects that the embargo toward Cuba will be lifted in the coming year.<br /><br />
"Well,” Emmer stated, “I felt much better when the Trump administration first took office. I actually thought that we would have a willing partner because of what he was talking about with national security, etc. Again, I'm not going to name names. But a handful of people have literally hijacked this issue because it's emotional. I can’t put myself in their shoes. I don't know what their family's experience was. I'm a kid from the Midwest. I'm not here to judge them for their strong feelings and how important this is. They had property stolen, they had relatives murdered and tortured. But we are now in the 21st century, and we are talking about where we go from here.”<br /><br />
Castor concurred, and spoke of the positive developments that have occurred in the U.S.-Cuba relationship in recent years.<br /><br />
“We have made such great progress,” she said. “Just a few years ago, there was no regular mail delivery between the U.S. and Cuba. We could get a package to China, to Russia, anywhere, but not to Cuba on a reasonable basis. Speaking of weather forecasting, we've made great strides there and it's important today. It used to be the Cubans said, 'No, hurricane hunters can't fly over Cuba to look at these storms.' Now, we are cooperating when it comes to weather forecasting … They are cooperating in law enforcement, they are cooperating in music, in science, and now we have got to make a larger step to move to lift the embargo.”<br /><br />
LaHood was more blunt.<br /><br />
“I am not optimistic at this point that the embargo will get lifted just from the rhetoric from the administration,” he stated matter-of-factly. “I think there is going to have to be something that occurs, an event of some sort, because you look at the conditions and threshold that the other side has put up, and they're really unattainable in some ways. You know, prosecuting the Castro family, or holding them accountable in some way, or making sure they are removed before you begin the conversation. I think that's a non-starter.<br /><br />
“I think it’s a very, very difficult, uphill battle. When you talk to the folks on the other side -- to Tom's point -- everyone has a personal family story related to something that occurred to them and their family and their property. Again, I can't understand that because I wasn't in that situation. But at some point, you've got to move beyond that and get to the policy and the politics of how we move on.”<br /><br />
To view the remarks of Reps. Emmer, Castor and LaHood at The Ripon Society’s breakfast discussion yesterday morning, please click on the link below:</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://youtu.be/i7v553au3oc" target="_blank"><strong>https://youtu.be/i7v553au3oc</strong></a></p>
<p>The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 – Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people. <br /><br />
For more information on The Ripon Society, please visit <a href="http://riponsociety.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=6DAC6F9&amp;e=AD7A5E&amp;c=2B3A7&amp;t=1&amp;l=108C0D18&amp;email=wbjRDL%2BlsU4Uy%2BrypvW0yzCONTE512owNyIeD9VsXLU%3D&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">www.riponsociety.org</a>.</p>Fri, 08 Sep 2017 17:16:00 -0400182https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-castor-lahood-lead-bipartisan-push-reform-us-policy-toward-cubaEmmer Calls on Senator Franken to Reconsider Obstruction of Justice Stras https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-calls-senator-franken-reconsider-obstruction-justice-stras
<p><strong><span>Washington, D.C. –</span></strong><span> Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement regarding Senator Franken’s refusal to support the nomination of Justice David Stras to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals:<br /><br />
“The United States is a nation of laws, and to maintain respect for the rule of law it is imperative we have individuals like Justice David Stras to uphold and defend our laws in courts around the country. A current member of the Minnesota Supreme Court, Stras is widely recognized as the most qualified person for this position, and is well regarded on both sides of the aisle. He boasts the highest rating from the American Bar Association, and has even sided with more liberal judges when it meant upholding the Constitution.<br /><br />
“Justice Stras is one of the nation’s premier legal minds in the areas of federal courts, constitutional law, and, in his own words, the ‘proper, limited role of the judiciary.’ It is because of these traits, that Stras’ nomination to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals garnered immense support from both sides of the aisle. Among those backing Stras were more than 100 Minnesota attorneys, a dozen members of Congress, and fellow Minnesota Supreme Court justices.<br /><br />
“Unfortunately, Senator Franken simply could not move past political partisanship to do what is best for the people served by the Eighth Circuit Court. Instead, through his refusal to advance Justice Stras’ nomination, Senator Franken has chosen to be a roadblock in this procedural process, effectively denying the proper administration of justice. Seating Justice Stras was the first of many positions the administration will need to fill in order to restore our court systems to their proper functioning role. I am disheartened that Senator Franken has chosen to obstruct this lengthy process so early, and deeply concerned that the seat could now go to someone less qualified and from outside of Minnesota. I call on Senator Franken to reconsider his obstruction of the full consideration of Justice Stras.”<br /><br /><em><span>Emmer applauded President Trump’s nomination of Justice David Stras in May. <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14011.5755223.5183362.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fmedia-center%2fpress-releases%2femmer-applauds-trumps-nomination-justice-stras&amp;redir_log=148410567988699"><span>Click here</span></a> to read the release.</span></em> </span></p>
<p class="align-center">###</p>Fri, 08 Sep 2017 10:28:38 -0400193https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-calls-senator-franken-reconsider-obstruction-justice-strasHouse Unanimously Approves Emmer Amendment https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-approves-emmer-amendment
<p><strong>Washington, D.C. –</strong> Today, Congressman Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) amendment was adopted unanimously and added to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018.<br /><br />
This amendment would roll back actions from the outgoing Obama Administration by prohibiting funds from being used to withdraw federal lands from mining or mineral exploration in the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest. It does not authorize or approve the development of any new mines, nor does it permit mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or limit the environmental review process required for the development of new mines.</p>
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<p align="center"><a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14279.5754355.5183221.7258409&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dz6u_kwCWaJ8%26t%3d2s&amp;redir_log=335777347395352" target="_blank"><img id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/Customers/MN06TE/MiningAmend2.png" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p align="center"><em>Emmer joined debate on the House Floor this evening to speak on behalf of his amendment</em></p>
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<p>“Today we took a good and necessary first step to restore Minnesota’s rights to pursue safe, responsible and precise development of federal lands,” said Emmer. “Through this unanimous vote, we are sending a strong signal to the Administration that these lands, and the control of their resources, needs to remain with the people of Minnesota. I am thankful for the support from my colleagues and will continue to work towards bringing jobs, revenue and hope of a more prosperous future back to our great state.”</p>
<p><em>The Emmer Amendment was Amendment #70 to H.R. 3354. <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14279.5754355.5183221.7258409&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fsites%2femmer.house.gov%2ffiles%2fNorthernMNAmend.pdf&amp;redir_log=375361998853496">Click here</a> to read the full text.</em><br /><br /><em><em>For Emmer’s related testimony before the House Natural Resource Committee, </em></em><a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14279.5754355.5183221.7258409&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fmedia-center%2fpress-releases%2femmer-testifies-restore-minnesotas-mineral-rights&amp;redir_log=011458241991720"><em>click here.</em></a> </p>
<p class="align-center">###</p>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 06:00:00 -0400193https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-approves-emmer-amendmentEmmer Joins Discussion on 2018 Farm Bill https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-joins-discussion-2018-farm-bill
<p><strong><span>Otsego, MN</span></strong><span> – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) attended Minnesota Farmfest to participate in a listening session hosted by House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conway. The purpose of this listening session was to hear firsthand the different perspectives and concerns of Minnesota’s farmers and agriculture industry in regards to the next Farm Bill. <br /><br />
Agriculture is a key industry in Minnesota and Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District in particular. Since agriculture is such a vital component of Minnesota’s economy, Congressman Emmer places a high priority on his relationships with the state’s many farmers and agriculture groups, to better understand how he can help them thrive in his district, state and across the nation. </span></p>
<p align="center"><span><img width="400" height="300" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/Customers/MN06TE/The_Show.jpg" /></span><br /><em><span>(Ranking Member Collin Peterson, Congressman Tom Emmer, Chairman Mike Conaway)</span></em></p>
<p><span>“Minnesota’s farmers work hard seven days a week, 365 days a year, so that our state, and nation remains fueled and well-fed,” said Emmer. “Without their work and dedication, we would not have a future, which is why it is imperative that my colleagues and I hear their input and give them a voice in Congress. I am proud to have had the opportunity to participate in this morning’s Farmfest listening session hosted by Chairman Conway and see so many of our colleagues in the great state of Minnesota for this important conversation. I am now even more optimistic that the next farm bill is well on its way to reflecting our farmer’s needs so we can provide for them, as they provide for us.”<br /><br />
“Midwest agriculture is wide and diverse, and each sector faces different challenges and opportunities” said Chairman Conway. “I appreciated joining Congressman Emmer in Minnesota to hear directly from those most impacted by the farm bill about ways to improve economic conditions in farm country and all of rural America. I look forward to taking what we learned and using it as we continue crafting the next farm bill.”</span></p>
<p align="center"><span>###</span></p>Thu, 03 Aug 2017 17:22:00 -0400193https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-joins-discussion-2018-farm-billEmmer Holds Summit to Find Solutions to the Skills Gap Crisishttps://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-holds-summit-find-solutions-skills-gap-crisis
<p><strong><span>Otsego, MN</span></strong><span> – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) held an “Addressing the Skills Gap Summit” with educators, business owners and community leaders to discuss potential solutions to the skills gap crisis facing Minnesota, and the nation as a whole. </span></p>
<p><span>In his time representing Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District, Emmer has toured many educational institutions to learn all about the incredible career and technical programs offered. Additionally, he has met with many business owners, school leaders, and representatives from different industries to learn about the devastating impact the skills gap is having on our economy and workforce. These tours and meetings inspired Congressman Emmer to hold a summit intended to advance partnerships that will work to address our workforce shortages.</span></p>
<p><span>“One of the biggest falsehoods that we as a society are telling the generation of tomorrow is that they must attend a four-year university if they expect to thrive and prosper,” said Emmer. “This well-intended, but misinformed, advice has actually had the opposite effect, leaving many critical jobs unfilled and numerous Americans without the career skills that they need in order to drive our economy forward. We held this summit to address these concerns, and cultivate a conversation with the stakeholders who are – and must be – most involved in finding solutions. After listening to the different conversations and suggestions put forth, I am optimistic that we are well on our way to fixing this problem so we can get our workforce and economy back on track.”</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><img width="401" height="268" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/Customers/MN06TE/Workforce_18.jpg" /></span></p>
<p align="center"><span><img width="401" height="268" id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/Customers/MN06TE/Workforce_8.jpg" /></span></p>
<p class="align-center"><span>###</span></p>Thu, 03 Aug 2017 11:11:00 -0400193https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-holds-summit-find-solutions-skills-gap-crisis30 Members Request Committees Work Together to Protect Farmers and Ranchers from Crushing Regulatory Burdenshttps://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/30-members-request-committees-work-together-protect-farmers-and-ranchers
<p><em>(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) </em><br /><br /><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> – Today, Congressional Western Caucus <strong>Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), </strong>Western Caucus Members<strong> Mike Johnson (LA-04), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Greg Gianforte (MT-AL) </strong>and<strong> Doug Collins (GA-09)</strong>, and Representatives<strong> Buddy Carter (GA-01) </strong>and<strong> Daniel Webster (FL-11) </strong>released the following statements after 30 Members of Congress signed and sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committees on Natural Resources and on Agriculture requesting that those Committees work together to address the numerous regulatory inefficiencies and statutory roadblocks in the agriculture community by modernizing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similarly outdated laws and regulations:<br /><br /><strong>Congressman Johnson </strong>stated, “Farmers and ranchers are vital to our Louisiana economy and community. Unfortunately, out-of-control Washington bureaucrats have imposed overly burdensome regulations threatening their way of life and hindering their ability to work. The Endangered Species Act must be modernized to protect farmers and ranchers across the nation. They are the backbone of this nation and cannot afford to live under excessive regulations any longer.”<br /><br />
“Northeast Georgia’s poultry and farming communities bring food, jobs and economic growth to our country. These hardworking producers have been unnecessarily burdened by federal policies including the Endangered Species Act, which serve neither farmers nor the Americans that depend on their products. I haven’t found a bureaucrat more motivated or more equipped to steward our natural resources than local farmers, and I support the House’s efforts to bring them relief from misguided government red tape,” said <strong>Congressman Collins</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Congressman Emmer </strong>stated, “Today’s court ruling against the delisting of the gray wolf emphasizes why Congress needs to work to modernize the ESA. Minnesotans knows what is best for Minnesota, and we must work to be sure the voices of state and local stakeholders are taken into consideration. We cannot continue to force our farmers and ranchers to bear the brunt of these restrictions and costly regulations forced upon them by Washington bureaucrats. By modernizing the ESA, we have a real chance to bring our farmers, ranchers, agriculture community relief from the current regulatory regime.”<br /><br />
“The long reach of unnecessary federal regulations threatens the livelihoods of Montana farmers and ranchers. The Endangered Species Act, along with other outdated federal mandates have empowered environmental extremism and jeopardize our Montana way of life. We need common sense reform,” said <strong>Congressman Gianforte</strong>.<br /><br />
“Like most industries, overly restrictive mandates and nonsensical regulations from the federal government are choking the life out of family farms and ranches though out the country,” said <strong>Chairman Gosar</strong>. “Just yesterday, the House Committee on Agriculture heard testimony from an 8th generation farmer who indicated things are so tough that his family farm likely won’t survive another generation. The Endangered Species Act and federal rules affecting the Ag community need to be modernized and brought into the 21st century. Ranchers and farmers need relief. Wildlife and plants in danger of extinction need a functional system that meets recovery goals and gets these species off the endangered list. There is a lot that can be accomplished if we drop the rhetoric and work together.” <br /><br /><strong>Congressman Carter</strong> stated, “As Georgia’s top industry, the hard work of our farmers and ranchers contributes to the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. These hardworking Americans need to be shielded from overregulation to ensure they are able to accomplish their important work without Washington standing in the way. One way to accomplish this is to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similarly outdated laws and regulations and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this happen.”<br /><br />
“Agriculture is one of the three pillars of Florida’s economy. Farmers and ranchers all over Florida grow and raise the food that ends up on kitchen tables around the world,” said <strong>Congressman Webster</strong>. “The economic engine of agriculture must be complimented with sound, long-term policies that balance the importance of protecting our nation’s beautiful lands. Unfortunately, overzealous bureaucrats in Washington turned the Endangered Species Act (ESA) into a weapon wielded against hard-working Americans. With President Trump, we have an opportunity to reform the ESA to ensure that it meets its purpose without destroying the livelihoods of those who work the land,” he concluded.</p>
<p><b>Background:</b><span></span></p>
<p>Today, 30 Members of the House signed and sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committees on Natural Resources and on Agriculture—Chairmen Rob Bishop and Mike Conaway, and Ranking Members Raul Grijalva and Collin Peterson—urging them to work jointly to address the numerous regulatory inefficiencies and statutory roadblocks in the agriculture community by modernizing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and similarly outdated laws and regulations.<br /><br />
To read the full signed letter click <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=7011-524755"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br /><br />
On April 26, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) titled, “<a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=7012-524755">Promoting Agriculture and Prosperity in Rural America</a>.” The EO established an interagency task force and made clear that it is “in the national interest to ensure that regulatory burdens do not unnecessarily encumber agricultural production, harm rural communities, constrain economic growth, hamper job creation or increase the cost of food for Americans and our customers around the world.”<br /><br />
Signers of the letter share these sentiments and believe that this Congress presents a bipartisan opportunity to address the many regulatory issues negatively impacting the agriculture community. They believe the Committees are well positioned to act on cost-saving, modernization measures that will bring the ESA and other rules into the 21st century. Signers indicated there may be no more important policy change for our nation’s agriculture community than reducing its crushing federal regulatory burden.<br /><br />
The letter encourages the Committees to work together to adopt a system that induces and incentivizes thoughtful and collaborative regulation. Such a process will empower farmers and ranchers to do what they do best—produce food and other agriculture products in abundance for the American people and the rest of the world.<br /><br />
The letter also makes clear that ESA and other federal regulations far too often result in a broken, burdensome process for farmers and ranchers, unfairly targeting them with costly compliance and unreasonable land restrictions.<br /><br />
As Congress works to preserve our nation’s precious biodiversity while simultaneously growing our nation’s economy, we must loosen the current ineffective regulatory stranglehold in favor of one that functions as intended.<br /><br />
The ESA was intended to be a tool to safeguard and rehabilitate species in need of special protections. However, private and governmental analyses alike indicate that the current law is failing to accomplish intended objectives.<br /><br />
As Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=7013-524755">recently explained</a>:<span></span></p>
<p><i>Of 1,652 species of animals and plants in the U.S. listed as either endangered or threatened since the law was passed in 1973, only 47 species have been delisted due to recovery of the species. </i><span></span></p>
<p><i>In other words, the Fish and Wildlife Service has concluded that less than 3 percent of species in the United States under the protection of the Endangered Species Act have recovered sufficiently to no longer necessitate the protection of the statute.</i><span></span></p>
<p><i>As a doctor, if I admit 100 patients to the hospital and only 3 recover enough under my treatment to be discharged, I would deserve to lose my medical license.</i><span></span></p>
<p align="center">* * *<span></span></p>
<p><b>Letter cosigners (30)</b>:<b> </b>Representatives Mark Amodei, Brian Babin, Andy Biggs, David Brat, Ken Buck, Earl L. ‘Buddy’ Carter, Liz Cheney, Doug Collins, Sean Duffy, Jeff Duncan, Tom Emmer, Trent Franks, Mike Gallagher, Greg Gianforte, Louie Gohmert, Paul Gosar, Jody Hice, Mike Johnson, Walter Jones, Steve King, Raul Labrador, Doug Lamborn, Tom McClintock, Alex Mooney, Steve Pearce, David Schweikert, Scott Tipton, David Valadao, Daniel Webster, Roger Williams.<span></span></p>
<p class="align-center">###</p>Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:37:00 -0400182https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/30-members-request-committees-work-together-protect-farmers-and-ranchersEmmer, DeFazio Reintroduce the APP Acthttps://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-defazio-reintroduce-app-act
<p><strong><span>Washington D.C.</span></strong><span> – </span><span>Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04) reintroduced the Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act. This introduction is in conjunction with the launch of the Congressional App Challenge, which kicked off today and both members are participating in.<br /><br />
The APP Act will help American innovators more easily access the tools and resources necessary to create applications for mobile devices - otherwise known as apps. The App Act does so by creating a comprehensive website to provide individuals and small businesses with the information they need to find existing federal funding for the creation of apps as well as information on how to apply for that funding.<br /><br />
Additionally, the App Act will help to update the current list of federal government apps by creating an app store where American consumers can rate and comment on the different government apps. This store will ensure the public is able to provide feedback, and obsolete apps are retired. Additionally, the App Act will provide government, non-profits, and businesses the resources to educate and train the next generation of programmers.<br /><br />
“Our nation relies on technology now more than ever, so we must give American workers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields the tools and skills to maintain a competitive edge and bring our country fully into the 21st century,” said Emmer. “This is something I have been committed to since taking office, which is not only demonstrated through my work on the App Act, but also with my office’s participation in the Congressional App Challenge, a competition that encourages students to develop their own app.”<br /><br />
“Mobile technology reaches every corner of the world and impacts our economies, governments, and more,” said DeFazio. “As technology expands, so must our capacity to innovate and keep pace with the latest developments. The App Act will streamline federal resources and help the next generation of developers stay competitive in the global market.”</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14117.5726892.5177660.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3d69tsogxklQA&amp;redir_log=685668657359299"><span><img id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/Customers/MN06TE/EmDeF.png" border="0" /></span></a><br /><em><span>Click here to watch Emmer &amp; DeFazio's APP Act video</span></em></span></p>
<p><span>“ACT | The App Association is heartened by the introduction of the Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act, which would provide vital resources to our country’s tech companies and developers,” said App Association President Morgan Reed. “In addition to providing students with valuable resources for computer science education, this Act would make federal funding opportunities more easily available to the tech innovators driving job growth and adding value in virtually every sector of our country’s economy. Faced with a staggering skills gap that has left roughly 500,000 computing jobs unfilled, we are hopeful the APP Act will provide the resources to support the development of the bright minds fueling innovations in telemedicine, machine learning, the internet of things, and beyond. We applaud Representatives Tom Emmer and Pete DeFazio for their work to ensure their constituents, our members, and app developers across the country can acquire the skills needed to help local companies thrive.”<br /><br />
The Advancing and Promoting Programming (APP) Act is H.R. 3428. <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14117.5726892.5177660.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fsites%2femmer.house.gov%2ffiles%2fAPPact.pdf&amp;redir_log=930647074428"><span>Click here</span></a> to read the full text.<br /><br />
To learn about the Congressional App Challenge, <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14117.5726892.5177660.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=http%3a%2f%2fwww.congressionalappchallenge.us%2f&amp;redir_log=707017762023285"><span>click here</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="align-center"><span>###</span></p>Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:21:55 -0400193https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-defazio-reintroduce-app-actMinnesota Mining Bill Rejecting Obama Administration Overreach Moves Forwardhttps://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-mining-bill-rejecting-obama-administration-overreach-moves
<p><em>(Courtesy of the Congressional Western Caucus) </em><br /><br /><b>WASHINGTON, D.C.</b> – Today, Congressional Western Caucus <b>Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04), <strong>Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Rep. Bruce Westerman</strong></b> <strong>(AR-04)</strong><b>, </b>Western Caucus member <b>Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Chairman of Jobs for Minnesotans Nancy Norr </b>released the following statements after a successful hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals Resources examining Rep. Emmer’s <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6942-524755"><b>draft legislation</b></a> which will allow responsible mineral production to continue in Northern Minnesota:<span></span></p>
<p>“Today’s hearing was to bring forth a discussion on the potential to revitalize communities in northern Minnesota by recognizing the rights of Minnesotans to exercise their mineral claims if any proposed mining projects can satisfy all of our stringent environmental requirements,” said <b>Congressman Emmer</b>. “We have a real opportunity to reverse the politically motivated and short-sighted actions the Obama Administration enacted on their way out the door and bring good-paying jobs and revenue to a region that greatly needs it. Like all Minnesotans, I believe in preserving and protecting our natural resources and I have no doubt that we can find a way to preserve Minnesota’s pristine landscape without permanently destroying any future job creation or economic development in Minnesota. I am pleased we have taken action today to get us one step closer to allowing the research and exploration process to proceed, while protecting the potential future economic opportunities in the great state of Minnesota,” he concluded.<span></span></p>
<p>“17,000 jobs, $2.5 billion annually for our economy and $3 billion for education are at risk if we don't block the misguided anti-mining actions from the Obama Administration in Minnesota. 26 bipartisan members of the House have urged Secretaries Zinke and Perdue to rescind the 420,000-acre plus mineral withdrawal application and renew the improperly terminated leases,” <b>Chairman Gosar</b> said. “Congress has explicitly authorized mineral production and multiple-use activities in the Superior National Forest via public law and in 2004 the Forest Service confirmed these authorized uses. Further, no one is proposing to mine in the 1.1 million acre Boundary Waters Wilderness Area and this area already has significant buffers. All we are asking for today with this bill is the opportunity to present mining plans in an area authorized by Congress to mine and to go through NEPA’s full environmental process. I applaud Rep. Emmer for his leadership and providing the people of Minnesota a voice with this commonsense legislation that recognizes the need to safely produce critical minerals right here in America.”<strong> </strong><span></span></p>
<p><b>Congressman Westerman</b> said, “The ability to mine is important for both our national defense and economic well-being. The ability to produce military-grade weapons, smartphones, and so much more depends on our ability to mine America’s natural resources in a responsible manner. Rep. Emmer’s discussion draft would protect responsible mining operations in Minnesota and ensure that America’s defenses and technology sectors continue to have access to the minerals necessary to keep America strong militarily and economically.”<span></span></p>
<p><b>Chairman Norr</b> stated, “This legislation will correct a grave injustice imposed by federal agencies in the previous administration. An injustice that could decimate our economic future and create a significant aberration from the existing federal mineral exploration and environmental review processes. We seek your support to allow highly regulated mineral development and leasing to continue in one of the most mineral rich regions in the country…The Discussion Draft before you accomplishes many things. It will restore access to domestic minerals essential to our economy and national security, it will restore our government’s regulatory compact and the faith that Congress’ promises will be kept, and most important, will restore the economic future of thousands of Minnesotans.”<span></span></p>
<p><b>Background:</b><span></span></p>
<p>Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources examined Rep. Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6943-524755"><b>draft legislation</b></a> which will allow responsible mineral production to continue in Northern Minnesota. <span></span></p>
<p>Nancy Norr, Chairman of Jobs for Minnesotans, <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6944-524755"><b>testified</b></a> in strong support of the bill. To watch the video of the hearing, read other witness testimony and view other important information click <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6945-524755"><b>HERE</b></a>.<span></span></p>
<p>Rep. Gosar showed a video at the hearing produced by the people of Minnesota on this issue that can be viewed <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6946-524755"><b>HERE</b></a><b>.</b> <span></span></p>
<p>In the video, Dave Lislegard showed us Lake St. James, a reclaimed mine site that now provides the drinking water for the city of Aurora. He stated that this is some of the best water in the country. No one wants to contaminate Minnesota’s water or the boundary waters.<br /><br />
In the waning days of the Obama Administration, federal land management agencies took several actions that could decimate local economies, stifle job creation and cause significant harm to K-12 education in Minnesota.<span></span></p>
<p>Rep. Tom Emmer’s bill rejects this overreach, calls for the rescission of the proposed 420,000 plus-acre federal mineral withdrawal application and the renewal of two improperly terminated leases.<br /><br />
In June, Reps. Gosar, Emmer, Westerman and Nolan toured several mining operations, held a stakeholder meeting and visited the proposed federal withdrawal area outside of the city of Ely, Minnesota. The comments they heard on the ground from American families, businesses and individuals who want these jobs and support these mining projects led to this effort.</p>
<p><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://paulgosar.house.gov/UploadedPhotos/MediumResolution/fc991482-2af3-487a-bea5-b2dc261cc4c9.jpg" /></p>
<p>On June 30, 2017, 26 bipartisan members sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue calling for the rescission of the 420,000 plus acre mineral withdrawal and the renewal of two improperly terminated leases. To read the letter click <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6947-524755"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. To read the press release click <a href="https://paulgosar.house.gov/components/redirect/r.aspx?ID=6948-524755"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.</p>
<p>On January 5, 2017, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) proposed a 234,328-acre federal mineral withdrawal of National Forest System (NFS) lands, for a 20-year term, within the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest, immediately placing this vast area off limits to development for up to two years while the 20-year withdrawal is considered. The total withdrawal application boundary spans approximately 425,000 acres, including 95,000 acres of state school trust fund lands.</p>
<p>In conjunction with this massive mineral withdrawal, the Obama Administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) inappropriately rejected Twin Metals Minnesota’s application to renew two hard rock mineral leases in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest – leases that were signed in 1966 and renewed without controversy in 1989 and 2004.</p>
<p>To date, Twin Metals has invested upward of $400 million – a significant investment – in reliance on two federal mineral leases that the BLM executed with the company's predecessors and renewed each time they expired.</p>
<p>All told, Minnesota is projected to lose up to $3 billion in royalty revenues for the State’s Permanent School Trust Fund that would support nearly 900,000 K-12 students statewide if the withdrawal application and cancelled leases are not rejected by the new administration.</p>
<p>If left unchecked, the anti-mining actions pursued by the Obama Administration will block the creation of thousands of American jobs and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars. The University of Minnesota-Duluth estimates the creation of 12,000 construction jobs and 5,000 long-term mining jobs if mining projects already being pursued in Duluth Complex are allowed to move forward. These are good-paying jobs, as the average annual mining wage in Minnesota was $78,635 in 2015. These projects are also estimated to generate $2.5 billion annually for the economy.</p>
<p>The proposed withdrawal also contradicts the legislative intent of Congress. In 1950, Congress took action to make minerals available for mineral exploration and development within the Superior National Forest. In 1978, Congress passed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act (BWCAW), a historic compromise that prohibited mining within the Boundary Waters Area but explicitly permitted mining to occur in the Superior National Forest.</p>
<p>Environmental stewardship and positive economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Our members support regulations that ensure environmentally-responsible mining in order to protect water quality and preserve the scenic beauty of the Boundary Waters area, where significant buffer zones already exist, including areas created by the BWCAW Act and the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Act. Furthermore, any new mines proposed in the region will have to undergo, and adhere to, strict mandates and requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), state laws and other regulations. Unfortunately, the environmental study affiliated with the withdrawal pre-empts this comprehensive review from taking place, blocking the opportunity for a project to even be considered.</p>
<p>Minnesotans across the state have supported the development of the state’s mining industry, and specifically have voiced support for the Twin Metals project. Countless individuals and local businesses have weighed in against the actions of the Obama Administration. Government officials on both sides of the aisle have publically opposed these actions. In January, the Minnesota State Legislature sent a letter and “expressed their outrage at the recent politically driven decisions.” Additionally, the Lake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution opposing the proposed withdrawal</p>
<p>The Duluth Complex holds the world’s second largest copper deposit, third largest nickel deposit and second largest platinum-group metals deposit.</p>
<p class="align-center">###</p>
<p><span> </span></p>Thu, 27 Jul 2017 16:27:00 -0400182https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-mining-bill-rejecting-obama-administration-overreach-movesEmmer Testifies to Restore Minnesota&#039;s Mineral Rightshttps://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-testifies-restore-minnesotas-mineral-rights
<p><strong><span>Washington, D.C. </span></strong><span>– Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) testified before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding his discussion draft on the United States Forest Service (USFS)’s pending withdrawal application in Northern Minnesota.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14149.5726468.5177680.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dEuD6_eOdepQ%26feature%3dyoutu.be&amp;redir_log=042038376846446"><span><img id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/Customers/MN06TE/CommPic.png" border="0" /></span></a></span><br /><em><span>Click above to watch testimony</span></em></p>
<p><span>“Today’s hearing was to bring forth a discussion on the potential to revitalize communities in northern Minnesota by recognizing the rights of Minnesotans to exercise their mineral claims if any proposed mining projects can satisfy all of our stringent environmental requirements,” said Emmer. “We have a real opportunity to reverse the politically motivated and short-sighted actions the Obama Administration enacted on their way out the door and bring good-paying jobs and revenue to a region that greatly needs it. Like all Minnesotans, I believe in preserving and protecting our natural resources and I have no doubt that we can find a way to preserve Minnesota’s pristine landscape without permanently destroying any future job creation or economic development in Minnesota. I am pleased we have taken action today to get us one step closer to allowing the research and exploration process to proceed, while protecting the potential future economic opportunities in the great state of Minnesota.”<br /><br />
The discussion draft before the House Natural Resources Committee aims to restrict broad mineral withdrawals unless they are approved by an Act of Congress. It would also renew certain mineral leases with preferential rights of renewal, consistent with current law, and provide that future leases in the area remain valid for 20 years, with 10-year renewal periods. Additionally, this proposal includes language that states, “Nothing in this section may be construed as permitting the prospecting for development and utilization of mineral resources within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) or Mine Protection Area.”<br /><br />
"Jobs for Minnesotans fully supports this legislation which provides hope and opportunity to Minnesota's mining region,” said Nancy Norr, Chair of Jobs for Minnesota. “All we ask of our elected officials and the federal agencies is to allow projects to go through the established and proven regulatory process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)."<br /><br />
"I thank Congressman Emmer for bringing this important legislation forward," said Jason George, Legislative and Special Projects Director of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. "Banning mining in a region that was set aside specifically for mining before a project has been put forward to study is not sound public policy. It is time that environmental extremists and Washington bureaucrats stop telling the good people of the Iron Range what is best for them." </span></p>
<p><span>"RAMS (Range Association of Municipalities &amp; Schools) thanks Congressman Emmer for his efforts to bring forth legislation that will allow continued exploration outside the protected buffer zone of the BWCA," said Steve Giorgi, Executive Director of RAMS. "The intervention by the USFS with their proposed land withdrawal has already had an economic impact on our region as reflected this spring when no new state leases were purchased the proposed withdrawal area."<br /><br />
To read the text of the discussion draft, click <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14149.5726468.5177680.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fnaturalresources.house.gov%2fuploadedfiles%2femmer_024_xml_2.pdf&amp;redir_log=323512012095472"><span>here</span></a>.<br /><br />
For additional information, please read previous releases on: <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14149.5726468.5177680.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fmedia-center%2fpress-releases%2femmer-meets-secretary-perdue&amp;redir_log=758311255425567"><span>Emmer’s meeting with Secretary Perdue</span></a>, <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14149.5726468.5177680.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fmedia-center%2fpress-releases%2femmer-continues-efforts-spur-job-creation-minnesota&amp;redir_log=790612128747731"><span>a letter sent to Secretaries Perdue and Zinke</span></a>, and <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=MN06TE&amp;crop=14149.5726468.5177680.7232321&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2femmer.house.gov%2fmedia-center%2fpress-releases%2freps-gosar-emmer-nolan-and-westerman-urge-rescission-234328-acre-mineral&amp;redir_log=008499371389853"><span>a recent mining tour to Northern Minnesota.</span></a></span></p>
<p><span>###</span></p>Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:12:03 -0400193https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-testifies-restore-minnesotas-mineral-rights